April 6th has been identified as the Day of Solidarity Against Hunger and Disease by the Diocese in Goa, a solemn reminder of the suffering endured by millions worldwide. As Christians, we are called to respond with compassion and action, following Christ’s example of feeding the hungry and healing the sick.
The Reality
Hunger remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. According to global reports, over 800 million people suffer from chronic undernourishment, and malnutrition continues to claim lives, especially among children. Meanwhile, preventable diseases—such as malaria, tuberculosis, and waterborne illnesses—persist in many parts of the world, causing immense suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened inequalities, pushing more families into food insecurity and inadequate healthcare.
InGoa, while the state is often seen as a tourist paradise, there are still many struggling with poverty, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare access. Migrant workers, daily wage earners, and marginalized communities face food insecurity, and rural health services often lack adequate resources. Organizations and churches in Goa work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, but more help is always welcome.
Goan Christian Responsibility
Here in our local community, we have organizations like St. Vincent de Paul who are doing a lot of good work to help those in need of basic necessities of living. We also have the Divine Soup Kitchen, a group that arrives at the compound of Dr. Carmo Gracias Hospital in Margao, every Sunday, feeds the 250-300 poor people gathered there and disappears over an hour later. It started on Christmas day in 1999 when Simon Baretto and his friend drove around the city to collect destitute people and give them a meal. That day they managed to find and feed around ten hungry people. Today, that number has grown to around 300 every week. And the group has also expanded to ten like-minded members.
What can we do to alleviate hunger and disease in our communities?
- Charitable Giving – Support organizations that work tirelessly to provide food, medical care, and relief to the poor. Many Catholic charities, such as Caritas Goa, St. Vincent de Paul as well as local Goan initiatives, are making a real impact.
- Volunteering – Whether at a local food bank, a community kitchen, or a medical outreach program, your time and effort can bring hope to those in need. In Goa, several church-run initiatives and NGOs provide opportunities for service.
- Personal Acts of Kindness – Sometimes, making a difference starts with simple actions—sharing a meal with a neighbour in need, donating essential supplies, or assisting someone who is unwell.
On this Day of Solidarity Against Hunger and Disease, let us commit ourselves to acts of love and service. By extending a helping hand, we reflect the compassion of Christ and bring His light to those in darkness. As the Apostle John reminds us, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”
May our faith inspire us to be bearers of hope, healing, and sustenance to the world, starting with our own communities in Goa.
– Louella Santimano